Clarks Summit
A council member recently was honored for her work as a leader.
At a brunch in Camp Hill this November, the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women named council President Gerrie Carey a 2012 Outstanding Elected Official.
She is one of 12 elected officials throughout the county to be honored.
"It's a great honor because it has to do with something I love to do," Ms. Carey said. "Serving on council is a passion of mine because I love to see good candidates get elected."
In 2011, Ms. Carey received the Lackawanna County Federation of Democratic Women's "Woman of the Year" award.
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Clarks Green
With a winter full of snow and ice on the horizon, Clarks Green is bringing in someone special to deliver a safety message: Santa.
On Saturday, the borough is sponsoring a winter health and safety event meant to inform residents as to how they can stay safe while enjoying the holiday season.
Held at Our Lady of Peace School, 410 N. Abington Road, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include a demonstration of proper shoveling techniques.
"It might look easy, but if people are using the wrong technique, it is an easy way to get injured," councilman Victor Alberigi said. "Hopefully, this event will help address that."
While it's not quite Christmas morning, Santa will bring presents for children 12 and younger. Also in attendance will be representatives from the state Department of Transportation, who will teach safe winter driving techniques and winter auto preparation.
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Dunmore
A borough native who died in the Vietnam War will be honored at his gravesite on Saturday by the Friends of the Forgotten Northeast Pennsylvania Wing, recognizing National Wreath Laying Day.
Family of Army soldier Karl Rynearson, friends and area veterans will gather at 1 p.m. at St. Mary's Cemetery, 745 O'Neill Highway, to recognize his service to the country. Mr. Rynearson died in 1967 when his helicopter crashed in Vietnam.
As part of the event, Stephanie Longo, author of a book about Dunmore history, will speak at the gathering about Mr. Rynearson and contributions of area veterans to the nation.
"When we honor someone like Mr. Rynearson, we honor all of the other nameless veterans who fought alongside him," Ms. Longo said. "Laying a wreath on his grave is a sign of the love and appreciation that our community has for him and every person who has risked his or her life for our country."
For more information, contact Kim Atkinson, 383-9552.
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Jessup
Volunteers at Jessup Hose Company 2 are helping Santa locate all of the good girls and boys of the borough.
The fire company will help Santa take a test run of his delivery route in the uptown area on Dec. 21, beginning at Fire Station 25 on Hill Street at 5 p.m. His tour will continue on Dec. 22 at 3 p.m., when he visits the downtown and Winton sections. Parents of sick or homebound children can call station 25 before Dec. 14 at 489-1141 or 383-6426 to arrange a home visit.
rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter
Mayfield
The borough is preparing for presents and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The jolly couple will hand out treats in the borough on Dec. 15, visiting each street in the town on a special sleigh, beginning at 4 p.m.
Parents of ill or home-bound children can call Santa at 499-7595 before 1 p.m. to arrange a visit.
A Toys for Tots drive is also ongoing in the borough. Items can be dropped off at the municipal building or the Pennstar Bank on Lackawanna Avenue. All collections will be distributed by the Marine Corps.
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Old Forge
A small church in Old Forge has recently begun a food drive, and Duryea resident Ashley Faraday is giving her all to make sure it's done right.
The shelves were nearly bare at the Worship Center, 418 West Mary St., so she staged a flash food drive on Facebook and convinced many local organizations to act as drop sites to help the food drive which consistently feeds 15 families, including 33 children. "We're going to run it from now until Dec. 22," Ms. Faraday, 26, said.
Residents can take non-perishable items to the Italian Club, Pittston; Cafe Italia, Plains Twp.; Excelsior Hose Company, Duryea; Germania Hose Company, Duryea; My Sister's Kitchen, Duryea; the Moosic Youth Center; Bella on the Boulevard, Newton; Symmetry Studio, Scranton.
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